Live from West New York, the Spanish-language entertainment show “El Gordo y La Flaca” was honored with a Key to the City award on Tuesday. The TV show, which is well known among people in the Hispanic community, was also honored when the city gave the popular show and its channel, Univision, a star embedded in the ground at Donnelly Park.

Around 500 to 600 people showed up at the park to witness the ceremony and get a chance to see their favorite talk show hosts. The crowd gathered around a perimeter fence set up by the police as they snapped away, taking pictures and videos, and calling family and friends to tell them to tune into the TV show.

The fans gathered at Donnelly Park early to insure a good spot to watch the episode record live and for a chance to appear in the show. The crowd was energetic as they waited for the stars to appear.

“I’ve watched this show growing up, my whole family watches it, and I have always wanted to go see the show,” said Rosa Rosario, 26, a West New York resident.

“Never seen a crowd like this,” said Susie Vargas. “I been a fan of the show for years myself, they always make me smile, I look forward to their show.”

_____________“I been a fan of the show for years myself, they always make me smile, I look forward to their show” – Susie Vargas____________

As the crowd waited patiently, two black SUVs made their way to the entrance of the park. Fans approached the trucks to catch a glimpse of who was coming out. One of the hosts, Raul De Molina, opened his window to greet the crowd and pulled out his cell phone to record his admirers.

The show, which is filmed in the network’s Miami studio, has been on the air since September of 1998. The shows two outspoken hosts’ complement each other as they both offer a different perspective on celebrity news. De Molina, known as “El Gordo,” and Lili Estefan, “La Flaca,” interview actors, musicians, and other celebrities about their life and careers.

Live TV

The show filmed at the location. The hosts went through their daily segments, including one about celebrity outfits at a recent awards show. The crowd laughed, screamed, and applauded the show.

The mayor of West New York, Felix Roque, arrived along with commissioners Fior D’Aliza Frias, Caridad Rodriguez, and Ruben Vargas. The mayor met with the show’s producers as he waited for the awards ceremony to take place.

“My mother is a huge fan of the show,” said Roque, as he admired the crowd that showed up. “This is a great event for the community and shows how we can all come together.”

The awards ceremony was met with many thanks and great appreciation from the show and network.

“We thank the mayor for letting us film in this great city, with this beautiful view and these beautiful people,” said the hosts.

“It’s an honor to have you guys here in West New York,” said Roque. “The majority of the city is Hispanic and we take great pride in our city.”